Saturday, September 29, 2012

Brady-Proofing

When Aiden was a baby, he never really got into things.  Other than moving a few breakable things out of his reach, we didn't need to do much once he became mobile.  I'm embarrassed to say we never even put up a gate at the stairs.  But, we didn't need to, Aiden just didn't care to go up the stairs.

Brady is completely different.  He gets into everything and thinks going up the stairs is a fun game.

Back in the beginning of the summer I had mentioned that we were going to do a project and make closed cabinets in the living room.  Rob had done a lot of research and planned it all out.  But, when it came time to build it, we were feeling like maybe it wouldn't provide as much storage space as our current shelves gave us and that we needed.

After a quick google search, we found people had made doors for the Ikea Expedit shelves and we were convinced that we could make something with what we already have.

Again, Rob did lots of research and planned everything out.  I really can take no credit for this.  Rob is really good at stuff like this and other than getting the kids out of the house and out of the way, I did nothing.



He did have to tweak a couple things along the way to make it work, but the end result is perfect.  I am so happy with how they turned out.  We used the same idea as this dresser, with the stained wood on the top and sides, and then the white doors.


The other thing we did was get a gate for the bottom of the stairs.  I did a lot of research on baby gates.  We knew that we wanted one that was more permanent and that swings open.  We wanted Aiden to be able to open and close out with no problem and of course, I wanted it to not look hideous.


Even though it was a bit pricier, we decided to go with this one, the Munchkin Numi Loft Gate.  I figured we would have it for years and with our uneven walls being an issue, it seemed like this one would be easy to install.

I also like that there is no bottom part that sits on the floor and would be easy to trip over.  When Brady is sleeping, we just swing it open against the wall, out of the way.   You can also completely lift it out of the hinges and put it away if necessary, but we haven't had a reason to do that yet.



So, there is an update on baby (Brady)-proofing.  As he gets older, we may find there are other things around here we need to move.  I love how different he and Aiden are from eachother, it's like a whole new experience this time around!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!  We are loving this cooler weather!





Thursday, September 27, 2012

One Year

Brady turned one last week and we celebrated this past weekend with a birthday party.




I was a lot more emotional about Brady turning one than I was with Aiden.  I'm not exactly sure why; maybe I realize now how fast it goes.  The "baby stage" can be hard some times, but it goes by so quick.  Too quick.




Even though I feel a little nostalgic about him getting older, he brings us so much joy every day, it's hard to feel too sad.



I know I've mentioned before about Brady's fun-loving personality.  He loves being silly and loves to make people laugh, especially his big brother.



It's obvious he loves to eat.



The love that Brady and Aiden have for each other is so sweet.  I hope that they will always be freinds.


In so many ways I can't believe it has been a year.   But, it also feels hard to remember Brady not being around.

I still have such fond memories of those first few days we spent with Brady in the hospital.  Getting to know him, having that time alone with him.  It was a very sweet time that I am very thankful for.

I can't wait to see what the next year brings for Brady and our family.


Happy birthday Brady Boy!  We love you so much and could not be happier that God made you part of our family.